Former Warrior joins Bulldogs

When Marcus Reed steps out on the football field this season, he will join a new, but familiar team.

Formerly of Pontotoc, Reed is now a member of one of the Warriors’ biggest rivals in New Albany, and for Bulldogs Head Coach Ron Price, he could not be any more thrilled with his team’s offseason addition. “We’re so proud that he’s chosen to come to New Albany, and it’s a great opportunity for us to take an outstanding athlete and see what we can do with him,” Price said. “I don’t know how many Pontotoc kids have transferred to New Albany, but we’re excited about people moving to New Albany to play football for us. To have someone as athletic as Marcus, it makes us proud as a program, and we’re excited to have him.” Reed played in several games at quarterback for the Warriors last season, including their 31-10 loss to New Albany. Noting that he was impressed with the Bulldogs’ offense, he said that he is excited about the move and joining a new team. “I liked the way they played. They played hard the entire game, and the offense, the way they played, really caught my eye,” Reed said of last year’s match up. “Everything’s been pretty good so far. I came over here because I wanted to win. I enjoyed Pontotoc, but I’m excited to see what I can do here at New Albany.” After the team’s first week of practice, Price is most impressed with Reed’s overall work ethic, but said the starting role at quarterback still remains with junior Spencer Day. “From day one, he has come in with a great attitude. He understands the game of football and he has a good background, but I think we do things a little differently than what he’s used to,” Price said. “I just want to put him in a situation where he’s going to be successful and he can continue to learn New Albany’s offense and he needs to be comfortable leading us on the field. Both Marcus and Spencer have the chance to win the starting spot up to the Ripley game. Right now, Spencer has earned the right to be the starter.” Despite the competition between the two, Reed has learned a lot from his teammate and wants nothing more than to play some role for the Bulldogs this season. “Spencer has helped me a lot, and I owe a lot to him,” Reed said. “Whenever I’ve had a question, he’s been able to point out things to me, and adjusting has been hard, but I’m still learning, and I’m thankful to Coach Price and the staff. They’ve been helping me out a lot.” With all of the excitement surrounding the new season, Reed is thankful to not only have a chance to play for a new team, but is also excited about the possibilities of New Albany this season. “I’m just most excited about being able to play for a new team and enjoying that right now,” he said. And there’s no doubt that Reed is also excited about the September 2 date with his former team. “I’m ready to play against Pontotoc. I’m really looking forward to that game,” he said. Reed and the Bulldogs will scrimmage against Kossuth this Friday and the 2011 season opener has been moved to Friday, August 19, beginning at 7:30 p.m.